Chapter Two (Part Two)
1487 Words
“I don’t know but if it had gotten her neck we would’ve gotten it off, and Darius would have saved her.” Caeli huffed. “Just stop. Don’t make me think of her dead. I saw enough of that during the plague.”
“I’m sorry.” Prince Maximus sighed. “You know, you’re in a bad mood.”
“It was just Darius. He’s been so cynical since his parents have died.” Caeli huffed. “Auraka means so much to Rissa. Why does he have to try and steal that from her?”
“I don’t know but it was too much for Rissa.” Prince Maximus shook his head. “That’s probably why she didn’t sense that other wolf.”
You’re blaming me?!
Caeli stopped Sora. “How could you blame me?”
“I’m not.” Prince Maximus rubbed his temple. “I’m just saying you know how strong emotions affect her. This was supposed to be a good day and it ended with one of our friends at the healer...uh hospital.”
“Hospital?” Caeli was confused.
“It’s this new term Darius wants us to call Shaushka’s temple. Shauska’s hospital and worship center. He wanted to be called the head of medicine when he got promoted but father insisted on calling him Sir Darius, The Wise Healer.”
“He got promoted?” Caeli was shocked. “He’s the youngest leader they’ve had. His parents weren’t heads till they were eighteen.”
“They’d be proud.” Prince Maximus began their trek home.
“Why didn’t you tell me he was promoted?” Caeli asked, following the prince while glancing around them.
“There was so much going one at the time. We were planning the celebration, plus my parents’ anniversary and my birthday...guess I just forgot.” Prince Maximus explained.
“Oh.” Caeli sighed. “Think he’ll ever come out again?”
“Maybe if you apologize and not make things worse.” Prince Maximus shook his head. “If that doesn’t work I’ll see him tomorrow.”
“Why tomorrow?”
“The meeting?”
“What meeting?”
“Didn’t Marcellus tell you last night?”
“No.” Caeli growled. “What meeting?”
There’s been talk of spies in Chishka. Prince Maximus forced his thoughts.
Spies? From where?
We aren’t sure. We might…
We’re going out again?
Maybe. That’s what the meeting will be about. I’m going to be sitting in. I thought Marcellus would have told you. Father wants you there.
But we only just returned, Maximus. I have no desire to leave so quickly.
I am sure it won’t come to that. It is at sunrise tomorrow. I am asking you to come. Will you?
Of course, my prince.
*
Larissa tugged at the bandage on her arm. “It’s a little snug.”
Darius gave her a bemused smile. “It’s fine, Rissa.” He began putting his supplies away. “You’re good as new. Should even be able to join the festivities tomorrow.”
“Festivities?” Larissa was confused. What’s tomorrow? It’s spring, we already had the spring celebrations.
“Really, Rissa?” Darius chuckled. “You see him way more than I do. How could you forget?”
See who? Oh crap. “Tomorrow is the prince’s birthday.” Larissa hopped off the bed. “I have to go get him a present. I can’t believe I forgot.” Larissa rushed from the room. “Thanks Darius, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See ya.” Darius’s laughter followed her.
How could I forget the prince’s birthday? That’s probably why the princess was in town. Damn it, what am I gonna get him? Do I even have time for something today?
Larissa rushed to a shop she knew well.
“Why, Larissa dear, are you okay?” Ms. Olivia, an old friend of Larissa’s parents and the owner of a fine jewelry’s shop, held genuine concern in her voice and on her face. “What have you done to your arm?”
Olivia was a kind, middle-aged woman. With curly black hair and soft green eyes. She’d often buy seashells and shiny stones or pebbles from children as a way to teach them how to earn money. She’d sell what the children gave her and give them all of the profit as it was never much.
“Just a little surprise attack. I’m fine” Larissa answered. “Ms. Olivia, do you have any jewels for men, with my color eyes?”
“Let me see.” Olivia retrieved a box of jewels. She opened it to reveal various shades and styles of blue stones. They laid against a red velvet, seemingly illuminating. “These are all the blues I have.”
Larissa examined each stone, before settling on a dark blue stone in a heart-like shape. “What is this? It’s beautiful, almost metallic.”
“It’s Hawk’s eye.” Ms. Olivia smiled. “It’s said to protect travelers and protect those who wear them from negative energy.”
Larissa held the metallic stone in her palm, specks of gold flashed within the stone. Protection gem, huh? Larissa glanced back to the place she’d retrieved the stone. Four other gems remained. “How much for all five?”
“Since your family has been such loyal customers, one silver a piece.” Olivia answered.
“They have to be worth more than that.” Larissa shook her head, holding her coin bag. “I don’t need any handouts, Ms. Olivia.”
“No handouts.” Ms. Olivia said. “If you think that’s too cheap, then how about you give me ten pieces and I’ll make them into necklaces for you.”
She’s too kind, but there’s no fighting with her once she’s made up her mind.
“I’ll give you the ten for the work and five additional as a tip.” Larissa stated. “That’s fair.”
*
Caeli handed a customer their rabbit's foot. Where is Rissa?
“Are you sure she was just escorting Darius home? You’ve been anxious about sis ever since you got back.” Bella shook her head.
“Stay outta my head.” Caeli mumbled.
If something happened I need to know.
She’s fine, Bella.
Larissa slowly approached the shop, intentionally avoiding Bella’s gaze and rubbing her injured arm in a shy way.
Caeli’s attention was directed toward the gauze wrapped around Larissa’s arm and torso.
That patch job makes her look worse than she actually is.
“Sissy!” Bella leaped over the counter and past a customer. “By the gods, what happened?”
“Rissa!” Camilla bolted from the back. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. A wolf surprised me, is all.” Larissa played it off.
“Surprised you?” Bella asked.
“But you’re never surprised.” Camilla whispered.
The worry in their voices caused guilt to form knots in Caeli’s stomach. Focusing, she forced a barrier between her thoughts and any invading voices. I need a moment alone. The bites looked bad but she looks even worse now, like she was the one who went away. I f****d up our entire first day together. But why does Darius have to be that way? I know he’s still hurting from his parents’ deaths but so is Larissa. Auraka means so much to her. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. Maybe I don’t know them anymore. We were together just a few hours, maybe we just need to do more together. I don’t know.
“Cae!” Larissa’s tap to Caeli’s forehead forced her into the present moment.
“Sorry.” Caeli whispered. “Is your arm okay?”
“It’s fine. Darius just had to wrap it this way.” Larissa answered. “So, you gonna hang around? You’re so close to your goal.”
“Definitely.” Caeli nodded. But we definitely have to talk later.
- Writer
